ORGANELLE DIAGRAM: LYSOSOME:
In this picture, a lysosome appears as a golden sphere. Lysosomes originate from the trans surface of the Golgi and they contain a variety of powerful enzymes (hydrolases) that break down material. Prions (the rogue proteins associated with Mad Cow Disease) are resistant to degradation by lysosomal enzymes and so accumulate in the cell. For a fuller description, please see our prion replication illustration.

SUMMARY

name(s): lysosome

location: usually towards periphery of cell near Golgi.

appearance: approximately spherical with a single membrane.

size: variable; generally in the range: 200 - 400 nm

function: contain powerful digestive enzymes that are used to destroy invading matter and unwanted cellular material.